Drake Relays Get New Sponsor, Big Bucks

$25,000 for first sets new standard for U.S. track meet.

Iowa's Drake Relays have a new title sponsor and, as a result, a dramatically increased prize-money purse, Radio Iowa reports.

Midwest grocery store chain Hy-Vee has commited $50,000 to each professional race at the meet, with the winner getting $25,000, the second finisher $15,000 and the third finisher $10,000. This is a level of prize money heretofore seen mostly at world-class European track meets in the summer. Drake race director Brian Brown is trying to put together as many London Olympic rematches as possible.